James Leaders. Loper has had a long and distinguished career in broadcasting, particularly in Los Angeles, California where he served as the director of Broadcasting Service Center at California State University from 1960-1962. In 1962, he became deeply involved in the movement to establish a non-commercial television station in Los Angeles. To this end, he acted as vice president of Community Television of Southern California from 1962-1963 and assisted in putting together the license application for what would be KCET. Loper's efforts landed him a position at the newly-licensed station that went on the air in September 1964: he served as assistant to the President of KCET from 1963-1965, and director of Educational Services from 1964-1965. Loper's tenure at KCET showed a continuous climb through the ranks to upper management: assistant general manager from 1965-1966, vice president and general manager from 1966-1969, executive vice president and general manager from 1969-1971, president and general manager from 1971-1976, and lastly, president and chief executive officer from 1976-1982. The collection documents Loper's work as the president and general manager of Los Angeles' public television station, KCET.

Important Information for Users of the Collection

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research use.

Preferred citation:

James Leaders Loper Papers, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.

Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials page for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.

Status:

This collection is PROCESSED.

Historical Note

James Leaders Loper was born on September 4, 1931 in Phoenix, Arizona. Loper attended Arizona State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1953 in the field of journalism. He remained at ASU after his graduation, serving as the assistant and acting director of the Bureau of Broadcasting from 1953-1959. In this capacity, Loper was instrumental in the activation of KAET, the public television outlet in Tempe, Arizona. During this time, Loper also served as the weekend news editor and announcer for KTAR (Phoenix) and the eight-station Arizona Broadcasting System from 1955-1956. Loper received his Master of Arts in Radio and Television from the University of Denver in 1957. His thesis focused on the groundwork and development of KAET. In 1967, he received his Doctorate in Communications from the University of Southern California. His dissertation discussed speech communication and was entitled, An Experimental Study of Some Effects of time Compression Upon the Comprehension and Retention of a Visually Augmented Televised Speech.

Loper moved to Los Angeles, California where he served as the director of Broadcasting Service Center at California State University from 1960-1962. In 1962, he became deeply involved in the movement to establish a non-commercial television station in Los Angeles. To this end, he acted as vice president of Community Television of Southern California from 1962-1963 and assisted in putting together the license application for what would be KCET. Loper's efforts landed him a position at the newly-licensed station that went on the air in September 1964: he served as assistant to the President of KCET from 1963-1965, and director of Educational Services from 1964-1965. Loper's tenure at KCET showed a continuous climb through the ranks to upper management: assistant general manager from 1965-1966, vice president and general manager from 1966-1969, executive vice president and general manager from 1969-1971, president and general manager from 1971-1976, and lastly, president and chief executive officer from 1976-1982.

Loper's activities have not been confined to work at KCET. He has been highly committed to the mission of broadcasting in general, serving as the Chairman of the Board and director for the Public Broadcasting Service from 1969-1972, as the president of the Western Educational Network from 1968-1970, as member of the California Governor's Educational Television and Radio Advisory Committee from 1968-1974, and as the executive director of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to name a few.

Loper served as the Chairman of the Board of Visitors at the Annenberg School of Communications on the campus of the University of Southern California from 1975-1980, where he also is an adjunct professor of radio and television. Loper has published articles in various professional journals and has contributed to two monographs: ETV: The Farther Vision published in 1967, and Broadcasting and Bargaining: Labor Relations in Radio and Television published in 1970. Loper has been a prominent figure in the Los Angeles' arts scene, holding board positions in the Los Angeles Arts Center, 1968-1972, the Associates of the Otis Art Institute, 1971-1977, and the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Company, 1974-present. He has also been involved in various civic organizations in the Los Angeles area.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The James Leaders Loper Papers documents Loper's work as the president and general manager of Los Angeles' public television station, KCET. The documents cover the years 1962 to 1982 and include some undated material, with the bulk of the documents ranging from 1973 to 1982. Significant areas of concentration include development and fundraising for KCET and programming. The types of documents found in the collection include correspondence, news clippings, reports, surveys, speeches and a few photographs.

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

The James Leaders Loper Papers was donated to the National Public Broadcasting Archives, University of Maryland Libraries by James L. Loper in August of 1998.

Detailed Description of the Collection

Series 1: KCET, 1962-1984 (7.75 linear feet)

This series contains documents relating to James L. Loper's tenure with KCET (Los Angeles, CA) in his capacity as general manager, vice president and president. Materials include his correspondence, news clippings about KCET, subject files, reports, surveys, speeches and a few photographs.

Subseries 1.1: Correspondence, 1978-1982 (2.50 linear feet)

This subseries contains Loper's outgoing correspondence. For the most part it is arranged chronologically.

Description

Series

Box / Reel

Folder / Frame

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 1

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 2

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 3

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 4

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 5

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 6

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 7

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 8

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 9

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 10

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 11

Chronological File, 1978

series 1.1

box 1

folder 12

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 1

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 2

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 3

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 4

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 5

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 6

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 7

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 8

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 9

Chronological File, January - October 1979

series 1.1

box 2

folder 10

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 1

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 2

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 3

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 4

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 5

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 6

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 7

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 8

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 9

Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980

series 1.1

box 3

folder 10

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 1

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 2

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 3

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 4

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 5

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 6

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 7

Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981

series 1.1

box 4

folder 8

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 1

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 2

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 3

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 4

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 5

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 6

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 7

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 8

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 9

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 10

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 11

Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982

series 1.1

box 5

folder 12

Chronological File, April - June 1982

series 1.1

box 6

folder 1

Chronological File, April - June 1982

series 1.1

box 6

folder 2

Chronological File, April - June 1982

series 1.1

box 6

folder 3

FCC General Correspondence, 1980-1981

series 1.1

box 6

folder 4

Subseries 1.2: Programming, 1964-1982 and undated (1.00 linear foot)

This subseries contains documents regarding the programming featured on KCET. Subject files detail the development of programming and sometimes include viewer comments. There is substantial coverage of awards granted to KCET programs, specifically any Emmy Awards. Also included in this subseries are documents relating to the KCET's part in the administration of American Playhouse, Public Broadcast Laboratory, and closed circuit television (Scrambled TV).

Description

Series

Box / Reel

Folder / Frame

American Playhouse, 1980-1982, undated

series 1.2

box 6

folder 5

American Playhouse, 1980-1982, undated

series 1.2

box 6

folder 6

American Playhouse, 1980-1982, undated

series 1.2

box 6

folder 7

American Playhouse -- New York Trip April 15-16, 1981 (Playhouse Governance), 1981, undated

Subseries 1.3: The Dial, 1979-1982 (0.50 linear foot)

This subseries contain issues of and documents about The Dial, the monthly programming guide for KCET. Actual issues of The Dial range from February 1981 - August 1982. Subject files include: general files which contain documents relating to the foundation and administration of the programming guide, and files which contain primarily correspondence regarding the guide's legal troubles.

Description

Series

Box / Reel

Folder / Frame

The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981

series 1.3

box 8

folder 7

The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981

series 1.3

box 8

folder 8

The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981

series 1.3

box 8

folder 9

The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981

series 1.3

box 8

folder 10

The Dial, November 1981 - August 1982

series 1.3

box 9

folder 1

The Dial, November 1981 - August 1982

series 1.3

box 9

folder 2

The Dial, November 1981 - August 1982

series 1.3

box 9

folder 3

The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated

series 1.3

box 9

folder 4

The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated

series 1.3

box 9

folder 5

The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated

series 1.3

box 9

folder 6

The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated

series 1.3

box 9

folder 7

The Dial -- Legal, 1980-1981

series 1.3

box 9

folder 8

The Dial -- Legal, 1980-1981

series 1.3

box 10

folder 1

The Dial -- Letter Agreement, 1979, 1980-1981

series 1.3

box 10

folder 2

Subseries 1.4: Development, 1963-1974 (1.00 linear foot)

This large subseries contains issues relating to the funding and development of KCET. Subject files include general fundraising, fundraising events, capital campaigns, grants, major gifts and subscriber contributions. Extensive coverage is given to correspondence between KCET and the Ford Foundation which details the grant process.

Development -- President's Fund for Program Development, December 1980

series 1.4

box 11

folder 11

Development -- Program Development Fund, 1980

series 1.4

box 11

folder 12

Development -- Subscriber Survey, 1979-1980

series 1.4

box 11

folder 13

Development -- Subscribers' General Correspondence, 1980-1982

series 1.4

box 11

folder 14

Development -- Walter Annenberg Correspondence, 1976-1982

series 1.4

box 12

folder 1

Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972

series 1.4

box 12

folder 2

Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972

series 1.4

box 12

folder 3

Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972

series 1.4

box 12

folder 4

Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972

series 1.4

box 12

folder 5

Fundraising, 1964-1976, undated

series 1.4

box 12

folder 6

Fundraising, 1964-1976, undated

series 1.4

box 12

folder 7

Trust Officers' Dinner, 1976-1978

series 1.4

box 12

folder 8

Subseries 1.5: Publicity, 1964-1981 and undated (0.75 linear foot)

This subseries contains articles, news clippings and publicity essays regarding both KCET and Public Broadcasting in general. "Top O' The News" files consist of news clippings about KCET that were compiled on a weekly basis from May - June 1981.

Description

Series

Box / Reel

Folder / Frame

KCET Articles, 1966, 1975-1978

series 1.5

box 13

folder 1

KCET Publicity Essays and Memos, 1964-1978, undated

series 1.5

box 13

folder 2

Press Release re: Weekend Broadcasting, September 1965

series 1.5

box 13

folder 3

Public Broadcasting/KCET Articles, 1973-1978, undated

series 1.5

box 13

folder 4

Publicity News clippings and Correspondence, January - July 1982, undated

series 1.5

box 13

folder 5

"Top O'The News", May - September 1980

series 1.5

box 13

folder 6

"Top O'The News", May - September 1980

series 1.5

box 13

folder 7

"Top O'The News", May - September 1980

series 1.5

box 13

folder 8

"Top O'The News", May - September 1980

series 1.5

box 13

folder 9

"Top O'The News", May - September 1980

series 1.5

box 13

folder 10

"Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981

series 1.5

box 14

folder 1

"Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981

series 1.5

box 14

folder 2

"Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981

series 1.5

box 14

folder 3

"Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981

series 1.5

box 14

folder 4

"Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981

series 1.5

box 14

folder 5

"Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981

series 1.5

box 14

folder 6

Subseries 1.6: Receptions and Special Events, 1964-1971 (4 folders)

This subseries contains correspondence, news clippings and general information relating to the special events surrounding KCET's dedication, birthday and new studios. Documents detail the planning and reception of the various events.

This subseries contains documents pertaining to the staff and organization of KCET. Issues of three different staff newsletters are included, as are general staff memos. Documents relating to the mission and organizational structure of KCET are found here as well.

This subseries contains news clippings, articles, awards and correspondence regarding James L. Loper as General Manager of KCET.

Description

Series

Box / Reel

Folder / Frame

Articles, Publicity, Misc., 1964-1977, undated

series 1.8

box 15

folder 13

Articles, Publicity, Misc., 1964-1977, undated

series 1.8

box 15

folder 14

Correspondence, 1962-1975

series 1.8

box 16

folder 1

Resumes and Awards History, 1975-1982, undated

series 1.8

box 16

folder 2

Subseries 1.9: Reports and Surveys, 1966-1982 (4 folders)

This subseries contains reports and surveys produced by or for KCET. These documents include financial statements, management reports, a report on educational television in California, and a household viewer survey conducted by KCET.

Description

Series

Box / Reel

Folder / Frame

Community Television of Southern California Financial Statements, 1974-1975, 1978-1981

series 1.9

box 16

folder 3

Educational Television for California, 1966

series 1.9

box 16

folder 4

KCET Household Viewer Survey, 1979

series 1.9

box 16

folder 5

KCET Management Report, 1982

series 1.9

box 16

folder 6

Related Material

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Selected Search Terms

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